The Swift Current Branch Library hosted a book reading by two notable authors to celebrate Saskatchewan Book Publishing Week, Oct. 4. North Battleford author Kathleen Carlisle read from her book Fiery Joe: The Maverick who lit up the West. It is the first biography written about the life and legacy of Joseph Phelps, a farmer and politician who served as minister of natural resources and industrial development in the government of Premier Tommy Douglas. Phelps laid the groundwork for rural electrification in Saskatchewan and his views on women's issues, the environment and First Nations rights were ahead of the times. Award-winning Regina author and prairie naturalist Trevor Herriot read from his latest book Towards a Prairie Atonement. He addresses the need for the protection of the remaining native grasslands through a reflection on the history of Métis dispossession on the prairie. Similar book reading events took place in other communities across the province during the first week of October to celebrate reading and Saskatchewan authors and publishers.